Thoroughbred Race Day Guide
The distance
Thoroughbred races are measured in furlongs (one furlong is 220 yards) and miles. Shorter races, around 5 to 7 furlongs, reward speed. Longer races, a mile and up, reward stamina and a good trip.
One turn or two
Sprints often go around one turn. Routes go around two. The post position matters more in a race with a short run to the first turn, because a horse on the outside can get caught wide.
Dirt or turf
Some horses love grass (turf) and some only run well on dirt. Look at each horse's record on today's surface. A first try on a new surface is a question mark.
Pace and running style
Horses tend to run in one of a few styles: on the lead, just off the lead, or from far back. Ask who will be in front early and what that costs them. The pace shape of a race can decide it.
Class and form
Maiden (never won), claiming, allowance and stakes are the steps up in class. A horse moving up in class faces tougher horses. A horse dropping down may be set to win. Read the last three races, not just the last one: how to read a racing form.
The odds board
The odds are the crowd's opinion, and they keep changing until betting closes. A good horse at fair odds is more interesting than a favorite at very short odds.
Race day pages
For every Lone Star Park race day, this site shows the race list, post times, the results and Brian's final picks after each race, win or lose: Lone Star Park Picks. Quarter Horse day? See the Quarter Horse race day guide.
Keep reading
Good to know
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Questions
What is a furlong?
A furlong is one eighth of a mile, or 220 yards. A race of 6 furlongs is three quarters of a mile.
What does pace mean in a race?
Pace is how fast the early part of the race is run and who is where. If several horses want the lead, they may tire each other out and a horse from behind can win. If only one wants the lead, it may get a soft, easy trip.
Does Lone Star Park run Thoroughbreds?
Lone Star Park has run Thoroughbred racing, usually in the spring and summer, and Quarter Horse racing, usually in the fall. Check the track's calendar for this year's dates.
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Get Brian's picksEvery Lone Star race, on your phone21+ only. Picks are opinions for entertainment and information, not guarantees. Past results do not mean future wins. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Not affiliated with Lone Star Park.
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